Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is proud to present Lifeline, a groupexhibition featuring work by Alex Hornest, Ilia of Btoy, Jim Darling, andSesper. Artwork featured in the exhibition will include watercolor on paper,oil and acrylic on wood, acrylic on canvas, and mixed media collage. Apreview reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, February 5th,2009 from 7.00pm - 10.00pm. The exhibition will be open for viewing throughThursday, February 26th 2009 from 1.00pm - 7.00pm.

About the Artists:

Alex HornestPainter, sculptor and mixed media artist from Sao Paulo, Brazil, AlexHornest employs a diverse range of materials in his work to explore theurban, recreational and inner lives of the people around him. He drawsinspiration from the complex relationship between cities and theirinhabitants and seeks to capture the essence of human beings and what movesthem in the midst of chaos, unrest and routine. Alex has exhibited his workin group and solo exhibitions throughout Brazil and the major cities of theUS, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami.

Ilia of BtoyTo gaze at a piece by Ilia is to enter into a magical universe populated byacid-house warriors and chic lost souls. Set against stark retrolandscapes, the artist's muted palette and delicate lines enhance theturbulence captured within their striking, moody faces. Ilia is one half ofBarcelona duo Btoy. For years, Btoy have been adding life to the influentialCatalan street art scene, and more recently into a grimy tunnel at the firstCans Festival in London.

Jim DarlingShape, composition and emotion play a large role in the work of Americanartist Jim Darling. "I attempt to take complex ideas and scenarios and boilthem down to a more subtle subject matter," he comments. "I then juxtaposethis simplicity with intricate details. I try not to spell out the entirestory, but rather set a tone and deliver elements for a scene. My hope andgoal is that the viewer can feel that tone and build the story with theelements that I've constructed." After a childhood in the suburbs of Dallas,Texas, Jim moved to Denver to study design. Four years ago, he moved to LosAngeles where he worked as an Art Director, Illustrator, and Fine Artist. Heis currently traveling the country with his wife, making art and looking forthe next city to call home.

SesperBrazilian artist Alexandre "Sesper" Cruz spent his adolescence absorbed inmusic and skateboarding - building ramps, making fanzines that documentedthe Sao Paulo art scene, and recording k-7 compilations. These interestsinfluenced the sticker and paste up poster campaigns he launched around thecity in 1999. Sesper is best known for his unique mixed media artwork. Heuses recycled material such as paper, cardboard and wood as his surface andpaints over these with oil pastel and latex, incorporating layer upon layerof texture and color. A member of the renowned Brazilian art collective, theFamiglia Baglione, Sesper has participated in and filmed many of their livepainting and gallery installations around Brazil.

About Carmichael Gallery:

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is fast gaining recognition as one ofthe major exhibitors of emerging international contemporary art on the USWest Coast. Artists who have showcased their work at the LA-based galleryare becoming widely recognized by the art world establishment withinstitutions such as the Tate Modern as well as Christie's, Phillips DuPury, and Bonhams auction houses supporting their careers.

Also Opening on February 5th!Front Gallery: Up on the Roof Countin' Pigeons A Solo Exhibition of New Workby Chris Stain